Exploring Weather Topics Most Important to Mariners: an Interactive, Computer-based Introduction to COMET MetEd by Brian Heckman

This will be an interactive seminar using your tablets and laptops. Brian will explain how MetEd offers free online training and take us through a short tour. Next, using your tablet or laptop we will explore training topic lists organized around marine meteorology, oceanography, charting, and navigation. Feel free to bring laptops and tablets to access this free training! (Smart phones work too but their small keyboards are harder to use.)

MetEd is a free collection of hundreds of geoscience training resources. The COMET® Program was established in 1989 by UCAR and NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) to promote a better understanding of mesoscale meteorology (relating to meteorological phenomena of medium size, usually classified as those which have a horizontal extent of between 5 and 100 kilometres) among weather forecasters and to maximize the benefits of new weather technologies during the NWS’s modernization program. The COMET mission has expanded, and today COMET uses innovative methods to disseminate and enhance scientific knowledge in the environmental sciences, particularly meteorology, but also including diverse areas such as oceanography, hydrology, space weather and emergency management.

Brian Heckman was a United States Air Force pilot flying WC-130’s from Guam conducting typhoon reconnaissance. He worked for NOAA’s Satellite Service and National Weather Service for 14 years. In 1988 went to the National Center for Atmospheric Research to help form the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training Program (COMET). He has taught meteorology and educational technology at the US Air Force Academy, Metropolitan State University and University of Colorado. His sailing experience includes numerous courses in the British Virgin Islands, US Navy offerings, Steve Colgate instruction; Moorings charters in the BVI for over 20 years and he is a member of the Seattle Sailing Club and The Center for Wooden Boats. Brian also held a very well received MetEd class at the Seattle Boat Show this year.

Join us for this interesting and informational interactive event that promises to provide you with some valuable resources and learning opportunities!

Date: Monday, March 20, 2017

Time: 7:00pm – till 9:00 pm or so (Hors d oeuvres, snacks, wine, etc. are welcomed but not required. We enjoy socializing after the presentation.)

Location: 1900 N Northlake Way, #233 Seattle, WA 98103

We meet at the Northwest Marine Trade Association conference room, 1900 N. Northlake Way, #233. Park at Fisheries Supply and go into the courtyard beside Fisheries Supply and up the stairs, turn right and we are the furthest door on the left. (Located in the courtyard beside Fisheries Supply – UP THE STAIRS AND DOWN THE WALKWAY)